So, I am a total newb at this...I've never purchased a used car in my life, and I've never bought a European sports car.

I've contact 3 dealerships (specialty, European sports car type dealerships) about 996s they have in stock, and all of them have indicated (via email) that they aren't interested in negotiating on price.

Is this unusual or standard procedure?

 

Cash talks and bs walks. Everything is negotiable.

 

Of course they don't want to negotiate price. They want you to pay their exorbitant prices. They are in business to make as much profit per car as they can. I don't fault them for that, but negotiations should be done. If their price is firm and the car is over priced for the market...walk away! Do your research first.

 

Good advise and correct about an accident never showing up on CarFax.

 

Nice car love the color combo! If it was a cab I'd be all over it!

 

There has been a new trend that started maybe 15-20 years ago that the price listed on the sticker has already bet set and is already low. So yes, common for dealers to say they won’t negotiate. Those same dealers, about 1/2 of them will change their mind down the road. They just don’t want to give up any ground right away and up front. Once you go in and spend some time, if you are a real buyer, they would be silly to not negotiate, even a little bit, if they could sell the car that day. However, I don’t have much tolerance for sellers that are super rigid up front. There’s a lot to choose from around here (Chicagoland), so I can pass up a dealer for another one and never think twice about it.

 

^^^Like he said...

 

Never try and negotiate over the phone or via email, text etc...Until you walk in in person and the seller see's a real person face to face. They will never let you walk out the door without trying their hardest to part you from your cash! I worked for a couple of Dealerships a long time ago...I hate the tactics they use.

 

Not bad for a low mile 4S in great shape.
Can you post a link to pictures of the car?

 

It's a C2, not a 4S. If you go to the Carfax there is a dealer website to click on, car is listed there.

 

J&L? I don't see it...Good luck with you're decision!

 

Dealerships name is Auto By Design in Chantilly Va. Several places at the top of the Carfax where it's listed with a link to the website.

 

I'm in southern WI, and it's looking like I'll need to find a car near Chicago (unless I'm willing to fly somewhere). If you are aware of a 99-05 996 coupe with manual transmission for sale, or a dealership with a good reputation, please let me know.

Thanks.

 

If you are buying a car, new or used at a dealership, visit 2 business days before the end of the month. Even better, end of the quarter.
Best day of the year to car shop, December 29th.

 

You answered your own question. Its because you are emailing them and not there negotiating. If you go there, test drive it and then try and negotiate you will have much better luck. And just so you know cash isn't always king. In a private transaction yes obviously a seller doesn't want to be dealing with you needing to finance but dealers actually want you to. They hate cash buyers, banks give them a kickback for originating loans and this is a big part of their income. You may be better off financing, and then paying off a week later. Should cost you zero to do so.